With a never-ending list of music and artists to listen to, finding the greatest hits can take time and effort.

Spotify Wrapped reflected users’ number one artists, songs and genres. Now that the process of updating old playlists and adding new favorites has begun, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students share their current obsessions.  

Angelina Hernandez ’24 recommends an artist called Giveon: “His song ‘Like I Want You’ has a really good sound to it, and it helps me get into my emotions.” The relaxed tune is accompanied by a strong beat and pronounced vocals. The lyrics harness a stronger meaning than let on with the acoustics. It tells the story of a failing relationship, struggling to decide whether to stay together or go separate ways. It’s a good choice if you want to listen to a relatively sad song that doesn’t have a morose backing track. 

“I recommend a song called ‘Say Goodbye’ by Norah Jones,” Ava West ’23 shares. The song is best heard in the car with all the windows down. “Some songs are specific for certain places of life that you’re in, and this song helps me go back to early summer,” West elaborates. Despite a title that usually signifies sad lyrics, the song is somewhat cheerful and could be played on the beach during a school break. Instead of saying a sad goodbye, the track reflects on the past—most likely a past relationship—and in the end, the singer decides to say goodbye and move on.

Zac Crist ’24 likes to listen to “No One Knows” by Brent Faiyaz: “I like the beat, it’s nice to dance to and he has a very soothing voice.” With a very “danceable” beat, the song is super easy to like. The singer talks about deciding to break away from a negative relationship. Although this song, like most recommended, has melancholy lyrics, the beat does not match what the lyrics say. It would be nice to hear at a concert or with friends; somewhere less formal but high in energy.

“Fire and the Flood” by Vance Joy is another favorite song. “It’s really good, and I like listening to it when I’m driving with my mom,” Ryan Alderman ’25 explains. This song is the first real happy song to be recommended, and whether it’s platonic or romantic, the singer is describing a positive relationship with someone. It feels like camping, hiking with friends or doing something outdoors. On the same album as the popular Vance Joy song, “Riptide,” its energy follows the same elevated guitar solo style. 

For all those in love with all things summer, “Revvin’ My Cj7” by Summer Salt is a soft song recommended by Miles Baker ’23. “It reminds me of summer and gives a beachy vibe that’s super fun to listen to during the summertime.” Summer Salt is notorious for their enjoyable and creative surf music. “Revvin’ My Cj7” is about driving to escape and take a vacation from life. Driving along the coastline to this song is the preferred way to listen.

Sam Hampton ’26 recommends the song “Diamond Heart” by Alan Walker. The track works as a sad song that is ultimately uplifting and upbeat. “It reminds me of whenever my heart gets broken. If you listen to the lyrics closely, there is a good meaning behind it,” Hampton says. It’s meant for sad moments when you wish you were stronger. 

Overall, the songs recommended are diverse and come with their own special backstories and memories related to them. Most of these songs generally have more emotional lyrics; that being said, the beat sometimes hides the true meaning, both intentionally and unintentionally. The best place to look for new music is through your peers, and students at Foothill Tech were not shy to share the songs they dubbed as their favorites.